19 November 2005
It's nearly clear now, but this is what it looked like outside this morning:
There should be land on the other side of the river, but it's only now becoming visible. In fact, I couldn't even get a shot of this barge at 7:30, and it's not even a third of the way across the river from us.
When I went to the Handweaver's Studio a couple weeks ago, I not only bought piles of roving for welt felting, but also a few barbed needles for needle felting. I gave it a go recently and came up with these two-inch-tall. . . creatures:
The blue one was originally meant to be a dog, which quickly became a flop-eared bunny after I started adding the features. Rob thinks it looks like a lamb. I found needle felting to be annoying and not at all as fun as wet felting, but for some reason I had to try again this morning. I guess I like it more that I thought -- it's addicting at least. The pink one should be winging its way to America soon.
I've lost interest in making soft toys, choosing to spend my time making purses and quilts. I seem to be relapsing into toy-mode this weekend, however, mainly because I've been thinking about Christmas presents. This is going to somebody who probably doesn't read this, but who shall remain nameless all the same.
It's funny; I've seen a lot of people making doll type 'softies' -- creatures that have a more upright, human shape. They always look great, but I haven't managed to succeed with that style. This dog is very, very similar to ones I've made in the past, but I didn't use a pattern; I just intuitively drew out the shapes on the fabric and went from there. I wouldn't like to toot my own horn, but I'm very pleased with how he turned out. I guess I understand animal shapes much better than doll shapes.
Anyway, I'm glad he has a home to go to soon, instead of sitting on my shelf. His jacket is lined with my favourite Cath Kidston fabric, and the bias tape edging actually went on with minimal fussing (I've never been good with narrow bias tape). Here's the obligatory 'looking-out-the-window' shot. Huzzah.
In the midst of my morning crafting, the doorbell went. Who could it be? The post man! With a package! For me! Eee! It was a load of goodies from Mariko at supereggplant.com.
When I commented on her number fabric a while ago, she offered to send me some, so we arranged a fabric-and-candy trade. I've had a hankerin' for Butterfingers lately, and Mariko sent not only the bag in the picture but a SECOND bag of the same. Gone are the days of wishing for something sweet after dinner! Mmmm.
She also included a mini-tote she made, lined with the 'bonjour' rooster fabric she's shown on her site -- very nice craftsmanship! It's such a treat to get so many different, new prints all at once. I've got quite a collection of bright prints in shades of pink and red now, I think a log cabin pillow or two (a la Lisa) is in order.
Hooray for the weekend!
I would toot my own horn if I could do something as great as this dog.Well done.
posted by Linda at November 19, 2005 10:41 PM
That first picture is so ethereal...lovely.
posted by Laura at November 20, 2005 12:53 PM
Anna, that dog is so aDORable. Oh dear me is he cute. I love your blog, which I know I've run into before, but got to spend time reading this morning. Delightful. AND you get to live in London, my all-time favorite city, you lucky girl!
posted by Alicia at November 22, 2005 08:57 PM
The dog is SO cute - congratulations!
posted by rosa at November 23, 2005 09:01 PM
Ahh, I've been hankering for some number fabric too! I love all of alexander henry's fabric *sigh* but they dont sell it in the UK *cry*
posted by Catherine at November 24, 2005 10:20 AM
I just found your blog through Mariko at supereggplant. Always happy to discover another London crafty blogger. I love your dog.
posted by Helen at November 29, 2005 05:11 PM
I just found your blog through Mariko at supereggplant. Always happy to discover another London crafty blogger. I love your dog.
posted by Helen at November 29, 2005 05:11 PM
J'aime le doggie.
I love your blog! It's really exciting, especially to a crafty California student with not enough time for all the sewing and cooking I'd like to do!
How do you get to know all these people and exchange packages and goodies with them, though? I want to do that but I don't know how to make connections! Thanks!
posted by Joanna at November 1, 2006 07:03 PM
I've been looking for number fabric! Any chance you know how I can source that fabric you've shown?
Many thanks.
Amy
posted by Amy at November 15, 2006 01:26 PM